Going Virtually Back To School: Home Learning Environment

 This is a new day for parents, students, and teachers. We are all beginning our school year in our homes and on our devices, phones, laptops, or tablets. While the comforts of home are always wonderful, students need to be in an environment that will be conducive to their virtual learning experience. Here are tips from a few teacher bloggers to make online learning from home a success! 

~~~~~~~~

Boost learning at home by setting up a brand new space for your child that will help them feel focused and comfortable with these organization tips and homeschool room ideas.

By Michelle Crouch 

July 10, 2020

How to Create an At-Home Learning Space for Your Child

Believe it or not, a dedicated home learning space can help develop your child’s creativity, sharpen their focus, and increase their motivation to read and learn. Although you do not have the same square footage as a school, with just a little bit of money and creativity you can easily create an impactful learning space!

Creating a Student Workspace or Classroom in Your Home

~~~~~~

 

Creating a safe and comfortable space, free of distractions is guaranteed to help our students adjust and have a successful online learning experiences.

~Ms. Sanders

Creating a home learning environment

(My Office/Classroom/Craftroom)

A method that I have used during the transition from the classroom to an online teacher is utilizing specific spaces in my home.
My sanctuary craft room became my makeshift classroom/office. I began and ended my workday there. Once my day was over, I transition or "commuted" to the living room or bedroom with my co-worker Olive (the chihuahua). It was important for me to separate work life and home life, even though in reality they were one and the same.
Perhaps, creating a space in your home (it doesn't have to be an entire room) of learning for your students at home might be beneficial for their success as well.

(Pinterest)

Get together and create ideas to imagine a learning space that they can go to for learning as well as walk away from when they need a break or feel like they are in a rut. 
Consider dollar stores to find items such as pen and pencil holders, storage containers, etc to help your kids create their own personalized learning space. Even cheaper, hold on to poptart, cereal, and round chip containers and upcycle. Redecorate the boxes and personalize them to hold school supplies. 
Check out Upcycled Wonders for ideas.


Allowing kids to take ownership of creating their learning environment will hopefully leave them feeling empowered and ready to learn!
More Helpful Links: 
HomeSchoolSuperFreak has great ideas for large and small spaces
Pinterest - Cool Homeschool rooms
IKEA -  Inexpensive and organized

Free Onine Learning and Fun Activities

Greetings Parents,
While most schools have put a distance learning plan firmly into place, parents may be concerned with learning loss and want fun and engaging extended learning for their young scholars.

WeAreTeachers has provided a list of 190+ FREE online learning resources. 

Thanks, WeAreTeachers ~~~ You ROCK!

https://www.weareteachers.com/free-online-learning-resources/


ON the MAKE:
Looking for activities to keep the kiddos creative? Check out SkillShare!

Scholastic Books offers a great article recommending free audiobooks for kids when they need a cool-down moment:

Finally, WeAreMighty

In an effort to provide a much-needed distraction, this website has provided great virtual escapes for those suffering from cabin fever. These trips offer glimpses into NASA, zoos and even the Smithsonian!

Enjoy your day!

Welcome! Welcome! Welcome! 2019-2020

Together We Will

Greetings DHS Parents and Students,

I am elated about the new school year. I welcome all of my T-STEM and PreAP students to an enlightening year of learning.

 In PreAP we will be preparing for the rigors and challenges of AP classes in the coming years. Note: ADVANCED PLACEMENT: The Advanced Placement (AP) are PREPATORY advanced academic programs that make rigorous, college-level academic content available to secondary school students.

I will also incorporate technology in ALL of my classes:

Note:  TEXAS SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATHEMATICS (T-STEM) : rigorous secondary classes focusing on improving instruction and academic performance in science and mathematics-related subjects and increasing the number of students who study and enter STEM careers.

IN THIS CLASS YOU WILL BE EXPECTED TO:

•            • Read and take notes independently and be able to return to class for lecture, discussion and question and answer

•            • Follow directions: oral, written and electronic communications

•            • Complete all assignments on time

• Complete full essays including: o Expository – essays

o Persuasive – writing with the intent to influence

o Procedural – “how to”

Paula J. Sanders, MA Ed.

English Language Arts

PreAP and T-STEM

#TogetherWeWill

#BrighterTogether